News Influencing Decision Makers in Northern BC
PRINCE GEORGE
Selen Alpay, a committed child advocate in Prince George, has been recognized as one of the 2024 BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association Partnership Award honorees.
In recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities this coming Tuesday December 3rd, the Rick Hansen Foundation is pleased to host a FREE virtual panel titled ‘The Power of Inclusive Decision Making” featuring five esteemed advocates and allies with varying lived experience as well as expertise in disability inclusion.
Brad Tesink has been named interim head coach of the Prince George Spruce Kings in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).
New protections for staff members who report significant misconduct have been made available by the BC government’s expansion of its whistleblower protection laws to cover workers at research universities and WorkSafeBC.
The Council Contingency Fund of Prince George City Council will provide $5,000 to the Northern Angel Investment Summit, a ten-week program that links investors and companies.
The City of Prince George is holding its second annual “Fill the Bin” winter gift drive from November 25, 2024, to December 20, 2024. The City partners with Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC), Elizabeth Fry Society Young Parent Program, Prince George Humane Society and Salvation Army Prince George to collect donations.
The Prince George city council approved a rezoning application on Dec. 2 to build a “self-contained independent living seniors’ community” at 7277 Bear Rd. on both sides of Highway 16 in Vanway. Owner 0751823 B.C. Ltd. wishes to rezone from AG: Greenbelt to RM1: Multiple Residential to build four- to six-unit one- and two-story row dwellings.
Wall to Wall is celebrating 5 years in business.
PRINCE RUPERT
Lester Centre of the Arts underwent a structural upgrade with the help of the PRPA Community Investment Fund and the City of Prince Rupert. The repair included new metal roofs, gutters, drains, and flashing.
Innovate BC is launching a pilot project focused on Heavy Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles, aimed at reducing the risks associated with adopting zero and low-emission trucks in Canada’s transportation sector. The project involves extensive testing of HDZEV trucks in Prince Rupert.
The inaugural Tier 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nursery in the region will be funded by the Prince Rupert Port Authority, in conjunction with the Dr. R.E.M. Lee Hospital Foundation, with a total commitment of $430,000.
FORT ST JOHN
Ledcor Highway Maintenance has been awarded two new Alaska Highway maintenance contracts by the federal government.
The Blueberry River Resources (BRR) economic arm has been reclaimed by the Council of Blueberry River First Nation (BRFN), which has declared in a statement that it will remain operational.
Storeowner Lori Bolin has announced that Borealis Clothing Co., situated at 9536 111th Street in Fort St. John, will cease operations on December 31st.
The Youth Explore Trades Sampler (YETS) Dual Credit program at North Peace Secondary School (NPSS) has received a $10,000 donation from Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
A contract for the construction of a solid dewatering system, costing over $2.6 million and scheduled for completion in March 2028, has been approved by the District of Taylor Council. The contract was awarded to Carver Construction Limited, a construction company located in Kelowna.
Changes to the fees charged at the Lone Wolf Golf Course for all memberships have been approved by the District of Taylor Council and will take effect on January 1.
A public hearing has been scheduled by the City of Fort St. John to discuss a zoning bylaw amendment at 114A Avenue and 100th Street. The amendment would permit the construction of a second car wash and two commercial spaces.
The management plan for the Fort St. James National Historic Site has been approved by Ron Hallman, President and CEO of Parks Canada.
KITIMAT
Overall Tool & Rentals in Kitimat now offers Platinum Abrasives and Welding Consumables.
The Rotary Club of Kitimat is excited to announce Poker Night every Tuesday starting December 10th hosted at the Legion lounge Kitimat branch 250.
TERRACE
The former Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace was replaced on Sunday by the new Ksyen Regional Hospital, which cost $633 million and was funded by Northern Health, the government, and the Northwest Regional Hospital District.
The City of Terrace is hosting a Free Public Skate sponsored by Northern Savings Credit Union on December 22.
Osisko Development Corporation has received an operating permit under the Mines Act for its Cariboo Gold Mine in Wells.
WILLIAMS LAKE
Anita McClinton is set to assume the position of new superintendent for School District 91 on January 20th.
Rebecca Tait has been named as the new Director of Leisure Services in the District of Houston.
The production at the Soda Creek sawmill will be halted after Friday, December 20, and will resume on Monday, January 20. During this time, the planermill will continue to function as necessary.
Production at the Lakeview sawmill will cease on Friday, December 13 and resume on Monday, January 6. During this time, the planermill will continue to operate normally.
The council has approved two bylaw amendment applications for 1138 Lakeview Crescent, paving the way for multi-family residential construction on the site.
As part of the consultation process for the City’s new Official Community Plan and Zoning rules, Council authorized a $10,000 application to the Union of BC Municipalities Community to Community Program to support engagement activities with local First Nations.
The Williams Lake Regional Airport Utility Plan was approved by the Council and will be distributed to the Cariboo Fire Centre, the Cariboo Regional District, and nearby First Nations. Additionally, staff will let Transport Canada know that the City plans to look at a variety of options for future development on the airport property and will be requesting that the federal government’s development limits be lifted.
The third reading of a bylaw and rezoning amendment that permits a property on Lakeview Crescent to be rezoned from a single-family dwelling to a residential multi-family zone in the city’s official community plan was approved by the Williams Lake City Council.
SMITHERS
The new Burger King and Shell gas station in Smithers was recently opened with a ceremony by the Hekmund Group.
The Town of Smithers is getting closer to enacting the new Mobile Vendor Bylaw, which will regulate operating food trucks in the town.
The federal government is investing $950,000 to enhance tourism in rural areas, which includes an upgrading of amenities at Granisle’s New Beach Campground, which costs $198,235.
QUESNEL
Julie-Anne Runge, a ten-year Trustee, was chosen to serve as the new Chair of the Quesnel Board of Education.
Quesnel taxpayers will see several fee increases in 2025, including water fees rising by 10 per cent again, sewer fees rising by per cent or $15.36, garbage fees, landfill fees rising by $10 in most categories, and cemetery fees rising by 5 per cent, which will all go into effect on January 1.
The City Council has approved the Quesnel Curling Club to host the 2026 BC Curling Championships, providing up to $5,417—one-third of the West Fraser Centre‘s ice charge.
100 MILE HOUSE
Jess Fraser has been appointed as the executive director of the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre.
Three cruisers were filled with donations that were divided between the 100 Mile House Food Bank Society and Loaves and Fishes thanks to the 100 Mile House RCMP and FreshCo 100 Mile House‘s ongoing partnership in raising money and food for the hungry.
The 100 Mile House District has given the go light to the B.C. Drag It Challenge‘s plans to host a single-day event at the 100 Mile Airport on June 21, 2025.
FreshCo Cariboo Highway has opened its doors to the public, showcasing its newly expanded store that now features a self-serve checkout in 100 Mile House.
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